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Constraints on adaptation:Explaining deviation from optimal sex ratio using artificial neural networks Lewis, Hannah Marie Tosh, C. R. O'Keefe, S. Shuker, D. M. West, S. A. Mayhew, P. J. adaptation artificial neural networks evolutionary constraints parasitoid sex ratio theory threshold traits LOCAL MATE COMPETITION PARASITIC WASP NASONIA-VITRIPENNIS COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY NATURAL-SELECTION EVOLUTION INFORMATION ALLOCATION BEHAVIOR RECOGNITION <p>Determining processes constraining adaptation is a major challenge facing evolutionary biology, and sex allocation has proved a useful model system for exploring different constraints. We investigate the evolution of suboptimal sex allocation in a solitary parasitoid wasp system by modelling information acquisition and processing using artificial neural networks (ANNs) evolving according to a genetic algorithm. Theory predicts an instantaneous switch from the production of male to female offspring with increasing host size, whereas data show gradual changes. We found that simple ANNs evolved towards producing sharp switches in sex ratio, but additional biologically reasonable assumptions of costs of synapse maintenance, and simplification of the ANNs, led to more gradual adjustment. Switch sharpness was robust to uncertainty in fitness consequences of host size, challenging interpretations of previous empirical findings. Our results also question some intuitive hypotheses concerning the evolution of threshold traits and confirm how neural processing may constrain adaptive behaviour.</p> 2010-08 article https://pure.york.ac.uk/portal/en/publications/d5ff166f-d255-4cab-9688-253729e80ee0 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1420-9101.2010.02038.x http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=77954691767&partnerID=8YFLogxK Lewis, H M, Tosh, C R, O'Keefe, S, Shuker, D M, West, S A & Mayhew, P J 2010, 'Constraints on adaptation : Explaining deviation from optimal sex ratio using artificial neural networks', Journal of evolutionary biology, vol. 23, no. 8, pp. 1708-1719. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1420-9101.2010.02038.x eng info:eu-repo/semantics/restrictedAccess urn:ISSN:1010-061X BB/E013430/1